Alex Pledger signs with Melbourne United

Centre Alex Pledger has parted ways with the New Zealand Breakers and signed with defending champions Melbourne United, the team announced on Friday night.

The Breakers granted Pledger a release from his contract and allowed him to negotiate with other clubs.

General Manager Dillon Boucher spoke highly of Pledger for his long-term service with the Breakers.

“In planning for next season, it became clear that we are going to play a particular way and we are assembling a roster to suit. Those plans include the acquisition of an athletic import big, with that player almost certainly of a quality to feature in our starting rotation and play the bulk of the minutes in the 5-spot.

“It was out of respect to Alex, his playing ability, long service and success in a Breakers singlet that he was given the option to look for another opportunity, and we are pleased that he has secured that future with Melbourne, under former Breakers coach Dean Vickerman.”

Pledger has been a SKYCITY Breaker since 2009, winning four championships with the club, with 2012-13 his most productive season, averaging 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.